India commemorates International Day of Cooperatives 2025 on 5th July, aligning with the global theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”. With the United Nations declaring 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, this year’s celebration carries greater significance, placing cooperatives at the forefront of global efforts toward sustainable development, inclusive growth, and rural empowerment.
On this occasion, Union Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate India’s first national-level cooperative university, Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU), at Anand, Gujarat, symbolizing a major milestone in strengthening the country’s cooperative ecosystem.
India’s Cooperative Backbone: A Legacy of Shared Prosperity
With 8.42 lakh cooperatives operating nationwide, India is home to one of the largest cooperative networks in the world. From Amul to institutions like IFFCO, NABARD, and KRIBHCO, cooperatives span sectors including agriculture, dairy, credit, fisheries, housing, and transportation.
These institutions are people-centered, democratically governed enterprises, owned and operated by members who pool resources to meet shared economic, social, and cultural goals. Rooted in the principle of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”, cooperatives have become pivotal to rural development and social equity.
2025: A Pivotal Year for Indian Cooperatives
Key Highlights:
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UN declares 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives
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Theme for International Cooperative Day 2025: “Cooperatives Build a Better World”
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Tribhuvan Sahkari University foundation stone to be laid by Union Minister Amit Shah
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Over 18,000 new Multipurpose PACS, Dairy & Fishery cooperatives registered
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67,930 PACS approved for computerization, with ₹752.77 crore released to States
Strengthening Cooperatives: Major Government Initiatives
1. PACS Modernisation and Expansion
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Model Bye-Laws issued to standardize and improve PACS across states.
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Computerization of PACS: Over 54,150 PACS on ERP platforms; 43,658 live.
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18,183 new PACS established under Dairy, Fishery and Multipurpose models.
2. Decentralised Grain Storage
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Godowns set up in 11 PACS with foundation stones laid for 500 more.
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Aims to reduce dependency on central storage and cut logistics costs.
3. Service Integration with PACS
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Common Service Centers (CSCs): Over 43,000 PACS now offer government-to-citizen services.
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Jan Aushadhi Kendras: 727 PACS now operate as affordable medicine outlets.
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PMKSK Centers: 36,689 PACS upgraded to serve farmers directly.
4. Digital Banking Empowerment
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Distribution of 9,915 micro-ATMs
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32.1 lakh RuPay Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) issued
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Over 27 lakh deposit accounts opened under the cooperative banking initiative
White Revolution 2.0: A Dairy-Led Growth Engine
Launched in September 2024 and inaugurated in December 2024, White Revolution 2.0 seeks to:
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Increase milk procurement by 50% in five years
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Register 9,695 new Dairy Cooperatives across 27 States/UTs
This initiative aims to transform India’s dairy sector through cooperatives, boosting rural incomes and promoting self-sufficiency.
Fuel, Ethanol, and Agricultural Cooperatives
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Petrol Pumps & LPG Distribution: Over 188 PACS identified; 59 commissioned as retail fuel outlets.
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Ethanol Blending: Support extended to 63 Cooperative Sugar Mills for converting plants into multi-feed ethanol units.
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Organic Farming: 5,185 PACS registered with National Cooperative Organics Ltd, launching 21 Bharat Organic products.
Financial and Tax Reforms
To create a level playing field for cooperatives:
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Surcharge on income tax reduced from 12% to 7%
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Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) reduced to 15%
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Cash transaction limits increased for members
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GST on molasses cut from 28% to 5%
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₹46,524 crore tax relief granted to cooperative sugar mills
Education & Human Capital: Tribhuvan Sahkari University
Named after Tribhuvan Das Patel, the new university in Gujarat will provide specialized education in:
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Cooperative accounting and administration
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Legal and governance frameworks
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Training of cooperative professionals and youth
It will serve as a national hub for building skilled manpower to lead India’s cooperative revolution.
Global Outlook and India’s Leadership
India will actively participate in global events such as the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and collaborate on the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 agenda. With over 3 million cooperatives globally, India’s initiatives are expected to set examples for sustainable and inclusive development.
Committees at national, state, and district levels have been set up to organize training, exhibitions, and cooperative-led economic activities throughout the year.
Cooperatives at the Heart of Viksit Bharat 2047
As India moves toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, the cooperative model offers a powerful pathway for inclusive, equitable, and grassroots-led development. Whether it’s strengthening rural incomes, digitalizing local economies, or building robust supply chains, cooperatives continue to play a vital role in nation-building.
Courtesy:- Press Information Bureau
